Roundtable - Rethinking donor engagement in the age of AI and automation
Advancement teams are under pressure to do more with less: personalize outreach, deepen alumni relationships, and drive philanthropy with limited time and resources. At the same time, AI, automation, and new digital tools are reshaping how institutions approach engagement. This roundtable invites a candid, peer-to-peer conversation about the realities of modern fundraising and donor relations. Drawing inspiration from findings in Gravyty’s State of Advancement Report, participants will explore: (a) how teams are balancing personalization with scale; (b) Practical ways to integrate AI into fundraising and stewardship workflows; (c) What’s working (and what’s not) in donor communication and data strategy; (d) How to build staff confidence and buy-in around new technology. Whether you’re experimenting with AI-driven outreach, automating donor stewardship, or simply exploring what’s next, this session will provide space to share challenges, lessons learned, and emerging best practices. Participants will leave with actionable insights to improve efficiency, enhance donor experience, and advance their institution’s long-term goals.